Diondre Overton, a two-time national champion and former Clemson wide receiver, tragically lost his life on Saturday morning, September 7, 2024. The 26-year-old was in his hometown of Greensboro, North Carolina at the time of his death.
The Guilford County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina issued a statement detailing the events leading up to Overton’s death. Deputies were dispatched to a call about a disturbance at a party at 3205 Spring Mill Road in Greensboro around 2:30 a.m. on September 7. While on their way, they received an update that a shooting had taken place at the same location. Overton was found at the scene and, despite efforts to provide medical attention, was declared dead.
Overton had an impressive college football career at Clemson University from 2016 to 2019, and was a key contributor to the Tigers’ national championship victories in 2016 and 2018. Over the course of his tenure, he played in 51 games, catching 52 passes for a total of 777 yards and seven touchdowns. Overton was recognized as a team captain and an All-ACC Academic team member during his senior year.
Clemson’s head coach, Dabo Swinney, was deeply saddened by the news of Overton’s death. Swinney spoke of the profound impact Overton had on him and the entire Clemson program, commending the late athlete’s character as being among the most genuinely kind-hearted. Swinney also expressed his personal sorrow over Overton’s untimely departure.
Before the game against Appalachian State on Saturday, Swinney honored Overton’s memory by touching the former player’s captain’s plaque as the team entered Memorial Stadium. The Tigers also held a moment of recognition for their late teammate, with two current players wearing Overton’s number 14 leading the team down the hill as a tribute.
Overton’s passing elicited emotional responses from his former teammates. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver and former Clemson teammate, expressed his grief and shared memories of Overton on Instagram, writing, “Brotha I miss you already man. I love you 5L….I’m hurting bad bout this right now. Rest Easy Big Play.”
One of the highlights of Overton’s college career was a remarkable game against Boston College during his senior year. He tallied 119 yards and three touchdowns in this game, earning him the Leather Helmet Award as the game’s Most Valuable Player and ACC Receiver of the Week honors.
After graduating from Clemson in 2019 with a degree in sports communication, Overton began his professional football career. He played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in the Canadian Football League and the Vienna Vikings in the European Football League. In 2022, he was drafted by the Philadelphia Stars of the USFL and played for two seasons. Before his death, Overton had been selected to join the Memphis Showboats of the newly formed UFL.
According to Fox Carolina on October 8, and the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, 20-year-old Jeremiah Diago Blanks was arrested in Michigan and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Diondre Overton’s death. U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest, and Blanks is currently held in Oakland County Jail in Pontiac, Michigan, awaiting extradition to North Carolina. Authorities have not released information about potential motives or any connection between Blanks and Overton.